Use of Volunteers

Summary: 

Many campuses utilize the services of volunteers for various activities, from coaching to providing campus tours and working at a variety of campus events.  Volunteers perform supplemental tasks and are not to be used to eliminate the need for, or take the place of, paid staff.

System Guidelines & Other Policies and Procedures:

MnSCU Board Procedure #4.0.1, Use of Volunteers Procedure https://www.minnstate.edu/board/procedure/400p1.html

MnSCU Board Procedure #5.19.3 (Travel Management)
https://www.minnstate.edu/board/policy/519.html

Certain volunteers may be subject to background checks under Personnel Guidelines:
Kari Koskinen Manager Background Check Act, #FSR0002 (password protected)
Psychotherapist Checks under M.S. Chapter 148A, #FSR0003 (password protected)

College and Universities may have developed additional campus policies and procedures with regard to the use of volunteers.

Contracts and Plans: 

none

Forms:

Volunteer Coaching Release of Liability Form
https://www.minnstate.edu/board/procedure/4-00p1-attach.pdf

Laws:

Minnesota Statutes, section 3.736 outlines liability and indemnification for volunteers who act in good faith and within the scope of the volunteer assignment.

Department of Labor:

For employees who may volunteer for other assignments on campus, the Department of Labor (DOL) provides an online field guide that may be of use in determining whether an employer-employee relationship exists (and may thus be subject to payment of overtime), or if the volunteer assignment is not subject to such provisions:

DOL Field Operations Handbook

System Office Contact:

Sue Appelquist
651/201-1459